Study Links Vitamin D, Type 1 Diabetes

Sun exposure and vitamin D levels may play a strong role in risk of type 1 diabetes in children, U.S. researchers said.

Researchers at the Moores Cancer Center at University of California, San Diego, found populations living at or near the equator, where there is abundant sunshine have low incidence rates of type 1 diabetes. Conversely, populations at higher latitudes, where available sunlight is scarcer, have higher incidence rates.

This is the first study, to our knowledge, to show that higher serum levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced incidence rates of type 1 diabetes worldwide, Cedric F. Garland said in a statement. This research suggests that childhood type 1 diabetes may be preventable with a modest intake of vitamin D3 — 1000 IU/day — for children, ideally with 5 to 10 minutes of sunlight around noontime, when good weather allows.

Infants less than a year old should not be given more than 400 IU per day without consulting a doctor. Hats and dark glasses are a good idea to wear when in the sun at any age, and can be used if the child will tolerate them, Garland said.

The findings are published in the online version of journal Diabetologia.